How Long Will Your Home Last In today’s world the question always lingers, “What type of home will I buy?” What is the difference between a traditional mobile home and a modular home? Most people assume that theyare the same thing. The answer is almost always the same, they are both manufactured homes and there is no difference between the two of them. While mobile homes and modular homes seem similar, they are different in several ways. These differences are important because this is your investment and you want to make the best of it. Once the search begins, there are in fact many differences between mobile and modular homes. Peoplewant to know how these two homes are built and whether they are built to last. Will the home appreciate or depreciate in value? Is refinancing this home ever an option? Will the home survive a strong storm? A mobile home is a prefabricated home built in a factory then it is towed to the area where it will be placed. This home is built on a strong trailer frame with axles, wheels and tow-hitches. Mobile homes are pretty straight forward;not many extras or modifications. The most common of mobile homes are single-wide, double-wide and triple-wide. These are still built by 1970 HUD, (US Government Dept. of Housing and Urban Development), codes. HUD codes require that all mobile homes are to be built on a non-removable steel chassis, which greatly limits any design options. (Modular Today, 2003-2008). Mobile homes are built in an assembly line environment. Each person is placed on his or her specific trade. The frame is built by one set, and while building the frame the insulation is also added in. Pre-assembled water, sewer and HVAC lines are included in this process. The completed frame is then moved and set on top of the completed axle. Floors, floor prep and walls are also built separately and then assembled together. Ceilings and the electrical are then completed. Roofing, siding and trim work are the last three steps. It is...